MAKKAH — The Muslim World League (MWL) condemned the absurd and shameful act perpetrated by extremists in Sweden who desecrated a copy of the Holy Qur’an and called for incitement against Muslims.

The MWL warned that these methods seek to cast hate and provoke the feelings of Muslims, which can fuel enmity and division in societies and harm the values of freedom and humanity, and which only serve extremist agenda.

MWL Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa renewed calls on Muslims in Sweden and around the world to remember the true Islamic approach that calls for addressing issues wisely and avoid extremist reactions.

This sort of hate crime does not represent the values of the noble Swedish people, the secretary-general said, stressing that such brutality will always increase Muslims’ faith and steadfastness in their values that call for coexistence among all with all love, peace and harmony.

The brutal attacks will also make Muslims more connected to their countries and contribute more to enhancing brotherhood and solidarity, he added.

In Riyadh, the Secretariat-General of the Council of Senior Scholars has strongly condemned the actions of some extremists in Sweden who abused a copy of the Holy Qur’an.

In a statement on Monday, the council said: “This act is absurd and barbaric and only reflects a sick and extremist personality.” The statement said such abhorrent acts will not harm the Holy Qur’an, which is preserved by Allah Who has given it a lofty status.

Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed Saudi Arabia's condemnation of the deliberate abuse of the Holy Qur’an, as well as the provocations and incitement against Muslims by some extremists in Sweden.

The Kingdom stressed the importance of concerted efforts to spread the values of dialogue, tolerance and coexistence, and renounce hatred, extremism and exclusion while preventing all forms of abuse against all religions and holy sites.